Oral devices have been fashioned by dentists and oral surgeons for many years.  These devices are designed to either pull the tongue forward, elevate the palate, or advance the lower jaw.  The dental appliances are indicated in cases of mild sleep apnea.  As with surgical intervention, the patient should be retested with a sleep study, after the oral appliance is fabricated and the patient has used it comfortably for one to two weeks.

     Nasal splints such as the Breathe-Right strips may help mild cases of snoring, but are not recommended for the sole treatment of sleep apnea.  However, they may make patients feel more comfortable when used in addition to any of the other interventions noted above.  These strips can be purchased at most local pharmacies.  Specially designed pillows should be considered in the same way as nasal splints.  Mild cases of snoring may be reduced with these pillows.  Many women's’ magazines contain articles for such pillows as an aid for unfortunate spouses who sleep poorly, due to their husband’s nocturnal roaring.  However, custom pillows are not considered adequate treatment for even the mildest case of sleep apnea. 

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